DIAL-A-RIDE, a transport group that provides facilities for sick or disabled people has seen its whole operation "speeded up" since successfully bidding for an internet-friendly PC.

DIAL-A-RIDE, a transport group that provides facilities for sick or disabled people has seen its whole operation "speeded up" since successfully bidding for an internet-friendly PC.

The arrival of a computer as a result of the third round of BT Community Connections awards means that the Ipswich-based organisation is able to provide a far more efficient service to its members.

The project was one of last year's lucky winners of the scheme and their prize has already made quite an impact.

Dial-a-Ride's co-ordinator, Wendy Hughes, revealed the PC arrived – as the service aims to do – just in time. "Before we just had a battered old computer that was really slow," she said.

"We got this PC just at the right time and it was extremely welcome – it has made our whole operation a lot quicker. The service has been made much better for our customers. It has been wonderful – a breath of fresh air."

The group, based in Constantine Road, provides a service, including wheelchair facilities, for members of the public who are unable to access public transport because of illness or disability. It has been running since 1988 – but now has on-line access for the first time.

The Ipswich-based English Churches Group can also now get online as it continues to help provide housing for those in need.

Having won a PC in the round of awards from BT, tenants will be encouraged to use the computer to develop basic internet skills and to find work and educational opportunities.

It is hoped the BT Community Connections prize will improve communications between members as well as providing access to other research and for recording data.